Yes, you can renew your Texas driver's license, and you have three ways to do it
Texas allows you to renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. Which method you can use depends on your license type, how long it has been expired, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most people are may be able to access for online renewal, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license.
You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), if you are under 18, or if you need to change your name, address, or other personal details on your license. In those cases, you must renew in person or by mail.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Texas DPS website takes 10 to 15 minutes and costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license.
- Your license must not be expired by more than two years to renew online; if it is older than that, you must renew in person or by mail.
- You cannot renew online if you have a commercial license, are under 18, or need to change your name, address, or other personal information.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office requires an appointment booked through the online system; walk-ins are not accepted at most locations.
- Mail renewal takes four to six weeks and requires you to send your current license, a completed process form, and payment to the DPS.
Online renewal: the fastest option for most people
To renew online, go to the Texas DPS website and select the "Renew Driver License" option. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The system will verify your identity and pull up your current license information.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. Online renewal is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and there is no appointment needed.
You are not may be able to access for online renewal if your license expired more than two years ago, if you hold a CDL, if you are under 18, if you have a license marked "Not for REAL ID purposes," or if you need to update your name, address, or other personal information. If any of these explore to you, skip to the in-person or mail renewal sections below.
In-person renewal at a DPS office
To renew in person, you must book an appointment through the Texas DPS website. Walk-ins are not accepted at most DPS offices. Go to the appointment scheduling system, select your county and preferred location, and choose an available time slot. Appointments typically fill up several weeks in advance, especially in urban areas.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and a valid payment method. If you are renewing a license that expired more than two years ago, you will also need to bring proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form) and proof of your date of birth (such as a birth certificate or passport).
The renewal process at the office takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will have your photo taken and receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 45 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. Your new license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days.
Mail renewal: the option when you cannot visit an office
To renew by mail, read and complete the process for Texas Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL-43) from the Texas DPS website. Print the form, sign it, and include a copy of your current driver's license (front and back). You can also include a copy of proof of residency if your address has changed.
Mail the completed form, your license copy, and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. The fee is $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. Mail renewal takes four to six weeks from the time the DPS receives your process.
Mail renewal is not available if your license expired more than two years ago or if you hold a CDL. If either applies to you, you must renew in person.
What documents you need for each renewal method
| Renewal Method | Documents Required | Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Current license number, last four digits of SSN, payment method | $16 or $32 | 7–10 business days |
| In Person | Current license, proof of residency, payment method; proof of SSN and DOB if expired 2+ years | $16 or $32 | 7–10 business days |
| Completed Form DL-43, copy of current license, check or money order | $16 or $32 | 4–6 weeks |
Common reasons you cannot renew online or by mail
If your license has been expired for more than two years, the DPS requires you to renew in person. This is because the system needs to verify your identity and take a new photo. You will need to bring proof of your Social Security number and date of birth in addition to your current license and proof of residency.
Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) cannot be renewed online or by mail under any circumstances. You must renew in person at a DPS office and pass a written test and a driving skills test. Book your appointment well in advance, as CDL renewal appointments fill up quickly.
If you need to change your name, address, or other personal information on your license, you cannot use online renewal. You must renew in person or by mail and provide documentation of the change (such as a marriage certificate for a name change or a utility bill for an address change).
What to do if your license has already expired
You can still renew your license after it expires, but the process depends on how long ago it expired. If it expired less than two years ago, you can renew online, by mail, or in person using the standard process described above. You can legally drive while your renewal is being processed.
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew it—you must explore for a new license. This requires an in-person visit to a DPS office, a written test, and a driving skills test. You will need to bring proof of your identity, Social Security number, date of birth, and residency. The fee for a new license is the same as renewal ($16 for four years or $32 for eight years), but the process takes longer because of the testing requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas license if I live out of state?
Yes. You can renew online or by mail from anywhere. Online renewal is the fastest option and takes 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks. You cannot renew in person unless you are physically present at a DPS office in Texas.
What happens if I renew online but my address is wrong?
If you notice your address is incorrect after you submit your online renewal, contact the DPS when ready at 1-888-589-6789 before your new license is mailed. If the license has already been mailed to the wrong address, you can request a replacement at a DPS office or through the mail using Form DL-43.
Do I need a REAL ID-compliant license to renew?
Not to renew. You can renew your standard driver's license online, by mail, or in person. However, if you want to upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant license during renewal, you must do so in person and bring additional documents such as proof of citizenship or a valid passport.
How long is my temporary paper license valid after in-person renewal?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days. Your permanent license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days, but if it does not, you can continue to use the paper license until it expires. If you need to drive before your permanent license arrives, the paper license is sufficient.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?
Yes. Texas does not suspend license renewal for unpaid traffic tickets or fines. However, if your license has been suspended for other reasons (such as failure to pay child support or a DUI conviction), you cannot renew until the suspension is lifted. Contact the DPS to check your license status before attempting to renew.